Article Posted on : - Mar 20, 2013

The successful maiden test firing of the over 290 km-range submarine-launched version of BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missile in the Bay of Bengal on Wednesday.

VISAKHAPATNAM: The submarine-launched version of BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missile was successfully test-fired at 1410 hrs on Wednesday (20th March 2013) from a submerged platform in Bay of Bengal off the coast of Visakhapatnam.

Creating history, the missile took off vertically from the submerged platform for its full range of 290 kms. Following a pre-defined trajectory, the missile emerged from underwater, took a turn towards the designated target meeting all mission objectives. All the telemetry and tracking stations, including Indian naval ships positioned throughout the flight path, confirmed the pin-point accuracy of the mission.

This is the first time that any supersonic cruise missile is launched vertically from a submerged platform. BRAHMOS vertically installed in a modular launcher in the pressure hull of the submarine will increase the 'offensive power' of the vessel without compromising on its 'defensive power' as the torpedo tubes can be fully utilised for defence. This new variant of the supersonic cruise missile will add more firepower to the Navy's underwater weapon delivery capabilities.

When contacted by Journalists, Dr. A Sivathanu Pillai, CEO & MD, BrahMos Aerospace said that "BRAHMOS missile is fully ready for fitment in P75 (I) of Indian Navy in vertical launch configuration which will make the platform one of the most powerful weapon platform in the World."

Defence Minister Shri AK Antony congratulated the scientists of DRDO, Russian specialists and members from Indian Navy associated with the project for successful test launch of BRAHMOS missile from underwater platform.

The naval variant of BRAHMOS missile has already proved its mettle in both vertical and inclined launch configurations from moving warships. The missile has been successfully inducted in number of frontline Indian Navy warships and will be deployed in other future surface ships. They are capable of both maritime strike and land attack.